Ingredients
Makes four servings
1 quart water 1l
1 1/3 cup sugar 265 g
4 pears; peeled, cored, and quartered
Possible Additions: One cinnamon stick, 2 teaspoons whole cloves, black peppercorns or allspice berries, one lemon half, one split vanilla bean, 2-3 star anise, 6-8 fresh ginger slices
Method
In a large saucepan, heat the water and sugar until warm and the sugar is dissolved. Add any of the additions that you wish.
Slide in the pears and cover with a round of parchment paper, with a small hole cut in the center.Keep the liquid at a very low boil and simmer the pears until cooked through, 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the pears.Remove from heat and let the pears cool in their liquid.
Optional: After poaching the pears, while the liquid is still warm, add approximately 1/2 cup (120 g) dried sour cherries, cranberries, raisins, or dried currants and let them plump.